In plain words
Lochia is the bleeding and discharge that come from the uterus after birth. It is made of blood, tissue from the lining of the uterus, and mucus. It starts out bright red and heavy, then gets lighter and changes color over the weeks. Many people have lochia for about a month, though some have it for longer. It is heaviest in the first three to four days. Lochia is normal and is not a sign of a problem by itself. Many providers ask people to use pads rather than tampons during this time. A bleeding pattern that soaks through a pad every hour, passes large clots, or comes with fever, a bad smell, or dizziness needs a same-day call to your provider. Severe bleeding needs emergency care.
The deeper version
Lochia reflects of the . It has three named stages: rubra, serosa, and alba. Published cohort data give a median duration of about 33 days, with flow heaviest in the first three to four days. Persistent or heavy lochia beyond the expected period, or a foul odor, may signal retained products, , or , which are assessed by examination and ultrasound (ACOG Committee Opinion 736, 2018). , commonly defined as cumulative blood loss of 1,000 milliliters or more after birth, is a separate event with overlapping signs. The controversy concerns whether the three-stage model fits every person, given wide variation in timing and character.
Where it comes up
- Postpartum bleeding (lochia): what's normal, what's notPostpartum: Your Body
- Signs of infection after birthPostpartum: Your Body
- Heavy bleeding after birth (hemorrhage)Birth and the First Days
- The first 40 daysSupport, Home, and Village
- Your body and heart after a miscarriageLoss and Complications
What mothers here say about lochia
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Committee Opinion No. 736: Optimizing Postpartum Care, 2018